Rhonda Doyle, Schneider Electric – A Finalist in the WMB Businesswoman Award Category
18th April 2022
Over the coming weeks, we will be introducing you to our WMB Award Finalists. Ultimately there will be one winner in each of our five Award categories, to be announced at our Conference & Awards on May 16th. If you’d like to attend our Conference & Awards, you can book now>>
Here, we introduce you to Rhonda Doyle, Schneider Electric – a finalist in the WMB Businesswoman Award category.
Title and Company Name
Director of Operations, Services & Projects at Schneider Electric Ireland.
Sector & size of operation
Energy Management & Automation, 128k+ employees, ~400 of which are based in Ireland.
You originally hail from
I grew up on the northside of Dublin, but after marrying my husband I moved to live on the southside in Sandymount.
Single or relationship
I’ve been married to my husband Jeff for over 10 years now, and we have 2 children Jack (9) and Olivia (3).
What is the best part of your job
I enjoy helping people realise their career goals and evolving the company to adapt to any changes that come our way.
And the most challenging
I love change, but change can be challenging. We all react in different ways, and sometimes when you’re trying to drive a new agenda or introduce a new way of working it can be hard.
Your definition of success
I define success as creating something that is scalable and lasting, and not dependent on me, as a leader, being present.
Best trait
Being supportive – I like to help and remove barriers to success.
Worst trait
Taking too much on – I have learnt to not be too optimistic in how much I can get done.
Biggest ‘win’ to date
Personally, joining Schneider Electric as a non-engineer was a big win. Typically there has been more of a focus on hiring in construction and engineering talent, but I’ve demonstrated that transferable and different skills are needed at different times, and it can work.
Who inspires you most
My mum. Like so many others of her time, my mum left school early to go to work to support her family. Still, she went on to raise two children, go back to education and progress in her career. She has always strived to improve and make things better at home and at work.
She instilled a strong work ethic in me and always supported my further development and education.
Name two things on your ‘bucket list’
I’m not really a bucket list person. After Covid I would just be happy for a sunny family holiday, but the ideal is to go back to Florida with my family and do all the Disney and other great parks there. Getting back out and exploring the world around us again. I’d also like to think that I can be there for my children in the same way my parents have been there for me. That’s it, really simple stuff.
What does it mean for you to be a woman in business today
Earlier in my career it was about developing and progressing, proving to myself I was capable, including after having a family.
Now, it’s about being a leader and helping others to be successful, especially looking out for other women who need support or a confident boost, and saying hey, you know you did a really good job there.
Best advice to pass on.
Create the environment around you that you need for success at home and at work. Every time I fall off the tracks, I remind myself of this great advice I was once given and think ok, what do I need to do to reset here.
